Author: Chiara Cardigliano

Aurora is delighted to welcome the University of Sussex as a Strategic Partner of the Aurora Universities Network.

This partnership reflects our shared commitment to international collaboration, societal impact, and addressing global challenges through research and education, strengthening connections across Europe and globally. University of Sussex’s strategic focus on sustainability, human flourishing, and empowering students aligns closely with Aurora’s mission and values.

Professor Sasha Roseneil, Vice-Chancellor and President of the University of Sussex, said:
“I am delighted that the University of Sussex has joined the Aurora Universities Network as a Strategic Partner. The Aurora partnership’s values closely reflect what we cherish most here at Sussex: a deep commitment to international collaboration and to addressing the most urgent global challenges through research and education. By strengthening our European partnerships, we are expanding opportunities for our students and staff and advancing our ambitions for environmental sustainability and human flourishing.”

Aurora Secretary General Dr Ramon Puras added:
“As a strategic partner, University of Sussex will begin structured engagement with Aurora institutions, participating in selected events and collaborative activities, and building institutional connections across the network. We were delighted to welcome Professor Robin Banerjee, Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Global and Civic Engagement), to the Aurora Annual Conference in Paris last May, and he joined the Aurora Board meeting this week to discuss Sussex’s new affiliation with Aurora. The University of Sussex plans to work towards full membership in 2026-27 once details of the UK’s re-association to the Erasmus programme are agreed. Full membership would open further opportunities for joint research projects, collaborative education initiatives, and enhanced student and staff mobility across Europe.”

We look forward to building meaningful collaboration with University of Sussex across the Aurora community in Europe and globally.

Aurora Endorses Joint Amendments to Next Erasmus+ Programme

Aurora Universities has formally endorsed a set of joint amendments to the European Commission’s proposal for the Erasmus+ programme 2028-2034, which will be submitted to EU policymakers as they consider the legislative text for the next programme period.

This collaboration calls for greater flexibility and ambition in the next Erasmus+ cycle and reaffirms the key role of Erasmus+ in developing the European Education Area alongside the Union of Skills. The amendments were developed in collaboration with 16 other European higher education organisations. Together, the 17 signatories represent Europe’s universities, higher education institutions, student organisations and stakeholders.

A central demand is increased investment in Erasmus+. The organisations call for at least €60 billion for the 2028-2034 period with a guaranteed budget share of 34.6% for higher education. The amendments also address programme governance and third-country association, including the UK and Switzerland. They include support for students and staff at risk and a sustained role for European Universities Alliances in international cooperation.

Read the full cover letter here and detailed amendments here.